Government minister praises state-of-the-art health centre during Wirral visit (From Wirral Globe)

Government minister praises state-of-the-art health centre during Wirral visit

2:40pm Monday 23rd November 2009

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HEALTH Secretary Andy Burnham has officially opened a multi-million pound Health Centre in Wallasey today.

During what was his first official visit to Wirral, the minister toured the state-of-the-art Victoria Central Health Centre in Mill Lane.

Developed in partnership with Prime Developments, the building opened its doors earlier this year.

It is home to three local GP practices and services including Wallasey Heart Centre, community dental service, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

It also has the latest equipment and resources required to carry out minor surgery.

Afterwards, Mr Burnham praised the centre and called for the creation of similar centres across the country.

He said: "It's a brilliant statement of what the NHS can and should be and a fantastic example of what modern healthcare can be.

"What we want this place to do in future is really help improve the quality of life for people who use the centre.

"It's genuinely a model for other areas of the country to follow. We really have got to get back to a national health service which provides preventative care.

"For me, that's something we have to get better at in the next ten years. Let's make it truly a national health service.

"I would like to congratulate staff from NHS Wirral and their colleagues for their dedication and commitment to improving health services across Wirral.

"The work you are doing here with the heart team is first class. It is setting a real example and making a real impact on people's health and life expectancy.

"I play football and am renowned for being a bit of a goal-hogger. That's what I feel like on days like this, because I come here and give a speech.

"But I look around here and see the amount of hours you have all put in to make this place a reality. You have done something wonderful here for the people of Wirral, which will stand you in good stead for many years to come.

Kathy Doran, NHS Wirral's chief executive said: "This superb facility offers many new services - all under one roof, right on the doorstep of more than seventy thousand residents in the Wallasey area.

"VCHC builds upon the high standard of care that patients in Wallasey already receive, and will give residents a one-stop shop approach for all their health care needs."

Leah Fraser, prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey, said: "Is there an election coming up? This is the first visit to Wallasey by a senior member of the Cabinet for years.

"While the new building at Victoria Central Hospital is impressive, it's a pity it had to be built on the rubble of Wards six and seven.

"Both wards provided much needed, free, post operative care to the older people of Wallasey. That care, and these wards, have now disappeared."

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